More Why-How-What
About six months ago I shared Why-How-What as a simple framework for talking about your research. There is a value in using interesting opportunities to think more and talk more about your work. It boosts your confidence for when the moment comes that you have to talk about your research: you will find the words. I’ve had a few more ideas about how Why-How-What can help frame stories about what you’ve done and how you’ve done it:
- Why did you start a PhD? How did you feel at the start? What did you think you would do?
- Why was it worth exploring the area you did? How did you initially approach your research? What did you hope you would find?
- Why were you up to the challenge of doing a PhD? How have you developed along the way? What can you now do that you couldn’t before?
- Why had your topic not been covered in this way already? How did you spot that you could do something about it? What are some ways that it can be explored more in the future?
There are many, many more setups like this that could help get your thoughts in order. There are thousands of questions that could come up in the viva. You can’t prepare for them all, but you can take opportunities to think more and talk more about your work. It will help. You’ll find yourself in a better place when your viva day comes around.